Which lives longer, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan: German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years versus Golden Retriever 13.2 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100 and the Golden Retriever scores 79/100. The Golden Retriever scores higher.

German Shepherd Dog vs Golden Retriever

The German Shepherd Dog has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 59/100 (grade C); the Golden Retriever lives a median of 13.2 years with a score of 79/100 (grade A). On the overall index the Golden Retriever scores higher. The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Golden Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

13.2 yr

Size

large · 22-40 kg

large · 25-34 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

59C

79A

Conditions

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.